#1 Don’t Rush!

Italy isn’t a country you want to rush through. Not only will the infrastructure of Italy itself render this impossible, but it just doesn’t do the landscape and culture any justice either. Italy is a place for exploring, for getting lost and discovering something you never knew was there. Lists and guides are essential to make sure you don’t get TOO off track but make sure you don’t overbook yourself. I’m one of the LEAST flexible people in the world. I LOVE making schedules and itineraries and get flustered when things don’t go to plan.

Be Open to Change

But sometimes, being forced into a situation where just those things happen, forces you to change. To become adaptable. To open yourself up to new possibility and just let things flow. Italy changed me as a person. It forced me to slow down, to savour in a mid-afternoon glass of wine under an ancient clock tower. I didn’t ask for the bill or try to rush to my next destination. I just sipped my drink under the literal Tuscan sun and reflected on how lucky I was to be experiencing that moment in time. Rushing meals is a mainly North American thing. We are used to fasting food, even at a slow restaurant.

But in Europe, especially in Italy, everything is relaxed, laid back and at a snail’s pace. Find a way of adapting to this new kind of living. I found I loved to bring my books with me and spent these hours of dining reading. It’s a great time to plan your next adventure or just catch up with old friends or family.

#2 Don’t Drive Inside Big Cities

Driving in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the countryside. Emphasis on the countryside! Driving inside the BIG cities is a nightmare. I witnessed one of the biggest fights between my parents while driving in Florence and that imprinted itself on my brain as “note to self: never drive in the cities in Italy!” Renting a car in Italy is actually one of the cheapest modes of transportation but don’t let that sucker you into using it for the entirety of your trip! You need specific permits for your car to bring it into some major cities. If you haven’t got the right one to expect a HUGE fine when you return your vehicle at the end of the trip. An expensive bill is something no one wants to get after a dream vacation.

In addition to these significant fines, there are also dozens of weird rules of the road in these large cities. You’ll also find heavy traffic, problems with parking and more incidents that you really don’t need to stress about on your vacation. Trains between big cities in Italy are easy to use and a great way to watch the landscape fly by. While they might not always run on time (there is that laid back Italian attitude once more) they get you from point A to point B lickety-split, without any hidden fees. Once you’re finished in the big cities, head just outside town to pick up your rental car for a drive to see the smaller villages across Tuscany. 

Driving TIP

If you are travelling on trains in Italy a word to the wise: be sure to always validate your train tickets. When you buy your tickets on regional trains, there won’t be a time or date on it. This is because you need to validate it before you board the train to mark it as used. Look for a yellow machine on the platform or near the entrance to the station. If you can’t find one, ask any employee to point you in the right direction. If you find yourself onboard without validation and run into a transportation officer expect to pay a BIG fine! They don’t fall for the whole “I’m a tourist I didn’t know any better,” line. They make big money off these fines so won’t hesitate to give you one.

#3 Don’t Assume Food is that Expensive!

Dining out in Italy is cheaper than you’d imagine. When I was a backpacker in my early 20s, I had been anxious about eating out in Italy. It is known as one of the best culinary cities in the world, and I had imagined that all restaurants would cost a fortune. I thought for sure I’d have to resort to buying supermarket food and cooking it back at the hotel. I was SHOCKED to find that by making smart choices, I was able to eat pretty much anything I wanted. And more than that, the prices were way lower than I thought they would be! If you only look at restaurants with English menus, you’ll come away with a totally wrong idea of food prices in Italy.

Avoid English Menus

These restaurants are geared towards tourists who might be swayed by an easy experience to pay more for a less authentic experience. Keep an eye out for menus only in Italian only and always be sure to wander the streets at least five minutes away from the busy areas. Here you’ll find some absolute gems! Also be sure to avoid any restaurant with a greeter outside, yelling in English about their menus. That’s a sure sign it’s not the real deal. In Italy, as long as you stick to those points, you don’t need to worry about checking YELP or TripAdvisor.

I always ended up at places I never had written down, and the food was ALWAYS spectacular. If you can speak even a few words of Italian, try to ask for the daily special or chef’s recommendation. If you don’t have any allergies, give it a try! You never know when you’re next favourite meal will appear out of nowhere. I was shocked to find how much I loved squid ink pasta, a traditional meal in Venice which I had never seen anywhere else in the world.

#4 Don’t Expect to Eat on Your Schedule

Italians eat late. Or at least it seemed pretty late to me when usually eats her dinner around 6 pm. The earliest any self-respecting Italian would have their dinner would be around 8 pm. While many restaurants catering to tourists are open earlier, this is a dead giveaway that the food isn’t authentic. I found waiting for dinner was one of the hardest things to get used to.

Eat and Drink Late

That was until I found out about Aperitivo (more on that later). To get used to this later schedule, I found the best thing that worked for me was to take a nap in the middle of the day. This is the same thing many Italians do. It’s very typical to see restaurants open in the morning and night but closed in the afternoon. Despite being a Spanish name, many (or most) native Italians will go home for a siesta in the middle of the day.

This is just one part of the Italian dedication to a better quality of life. Shop owners will close down in the afternoon to go and make a home-cooked meal in their apartment. They sacrifice any sales they would have made during that time for the chance to eat their own food, maybe see their family or even have a nap. So I did the same. I would head home around 3 or 4 pm after a busy day and take a nice long relaxing nap. It recharged me for the rest of the night and resting always makes me feel less hungry than if I was walking around killing time before dinner.

#5 Don’t Expect Half-Priced Drinks during ‘Aperitivo‘ 

Many North American are used to this thing called “happy hour” between the hours of 7 and 9 pm. This time is usually reserved for half-priced, watered-down drinks. In Italy, they have something similar, but all kinds of different! It’s called ‘Aperitivo‘ (which literally translates to appetizer). Aperitivo is heavily advertised outside bars in the city, and also happens during the hours of 7 and 9 pm. But you won’t find any half-priced drinks here, and if you do see somewhere offering half priced wine, you know its not the an authentic aperitivo.

Free Food NOT Drink

Aperitivo is meant as a time for people to relax after work but before dinner. Locals jovially catch up with friends and family over a few glasses of wine while they wind up their metabolism for dinner (maybe this is why Italians eat so much pasta but remain so thin). But what aperitivo does offer instead of half-priced drinks, is FREE food! These “bonus” snacks are a way to stave off starving before your 9 pm dinner.

Different bars offer up different kinds of snacks. Some offer simple things like nuts, bread and fruit but others have full-on buffets of appetizers all free of charge if you’re drinking. Most big cities charge about 8 and 10 euros for a great glass of wine (reduce this slightly if staying in a smaller, less touristy village). But more than just a glass of wine, you’ll get a real experience out of it! Aperitivo brings out the best in people and a chance for you to meet the locals and ingrain yourself in Italian culture.

#6 Don’t Underestimate Coffee Culture

Coffee culture in Italy is almost a religion. There are many rules and rituals you’re expected to know and follow. One of the biggest don’ts to know, which will help you out financially is, don’t sit to drink your espresso. Often a coffee will have an added “table charge” if you drink it sitting down. This is rarely, if ever listed, so you’ll either have to ask or take your chances. Especially if you’re having a drink near a trendy tourist site, these charges can be as much as 20 euros! My husband was backpacking in his 20s and grabbed a coffee in front of the pantheon with his friend. They unwittingly sat down and had FOUR coffees, which ended up costing them 60 EUROS! A mistake we still laugh about to this day but I’m sure at the time it was anything but funny.

Even at cheaper cafes, drinking the espresso at the counter will always be more affordable and also how real Italians do it. If you have an espresso, don’t miss out on the crema. While you are not supposed to put any milk or cream in espresso, lots of cafes will have crema on the bar. Creama is whipped milk mixed with sugar that you can spoon into your espresso for a deliciously creamy and sweet drink.

Tips on What to Order and When

Another tip for ordering coffee is not to order a cappuccino after 11 am. Cappuccinos are thought to be meant only for breakfast. If you order one after dinner, you’ll either be politely corrected or just simply brought a latte macchiato instead. Speaking of lattes, don’t go up to a coffee counter and order only a “latte“. Latte in Italian means milk, so you might be served up a cup of warm milk. If you’re interested in a North American latte, as for a latte macchiato or caffe macchiato. When ordering an espresso, you can also ask for a caffe (which is what they call an espresso in Italian). If you’re not a fan of strong espresso order a caffe lungo which adds more water for a less intense taste.

#7 Don’t Ask for Free Tap Water

Trying to save a few dollars when travelling is obviously something most people will want to do. And to do this often, you’ll order some tap water to have during your meal. In Italy, this is called “acqua di robinetto“. But if you try ordering it at most restaurants, you might be met with a dirty look. You might also be flat out refused or, on the odd occasion, begrudgingly have it brought out to you. For the most part, I found it wasn’t worth the trouble of asking for it in the end. There are many reasons people don’t think tap water is standard in Italy. One is that although potable, restaurants can’t guarantee the contents of the water they served, which is against health regulations. Others say that it’s because they don’t make a profit from the water.

Another theory is that it merely isn’t a cultural thing for Italians. Whatever the reason, I keep to the saying, “when in Rome” and order the same thing to locals are ordering. Honestly, sometimes it’s cheaper to order a glass of the house wine than a bottle of sparkling water, so take this as an opportunity to live it up and sample some fantastic Italian wines. If you don’t drink alcohol, Italy has a variety of freshly made sodas which I found at most restaurants. Freshly squeezed lemons and oranges with soda water are fantastically refreshing on a hot day.

#8 Don’t Patiently Wait In Line

Even though Italians are so laid back about table service in restaurants, they are outright frantic when it comes to ordering things to go from anything with a counter. I am a pretty shy and orderly person, so when I was in Italy and went to order a coffee, I patiently waited in line. Without hesitation, I found a woman suddenly push her way in front of me to order, and without pause, the barista served her immediately. I thought for sure, him having seen me, he would have asked her to go to the back of the line. But he did not.

After this happened multiple times, I realized that line jumping was just a part of their culture, like yelling or talking with their hands. If an Italian sees a gap in the line, they’ll jump right in. So either be sure to leave no space between yourself and the person in front or find the courage to start line jumping! Or at least being a little pushier and showy when it comes to ordering at counters. Some places have started using a number machine to control this queuing problem, but if you’re stuck somewhere without it, you’ll need to figure out the game. Remember, they’re not trying to be rude, it’s just all apart of that fiery Italian attitude.

#9 Don’t Go in the Summer

Ok, now I know this point will get everyone going! Italy is a fantastically popular place to travel. As it should be, it’s gorgeous! You can’t blame people for wanting to visit it. But summer is especially busy. For many families, the summer is the only time they can travel with their kids, so the cities become overrun with Europeans and international travellers. The weather has been getting increasingly hotter and hotter (thanks global warming) and what once was a relaxing summer vacation on paper, turns into a humid, sticky and sweaty affair. Combine that with the huge crowds, long wait time to get into attractions and you’re in for a horrid equation.

Summer = High Prices, Lots of Tourists

Prices for hotels are also the most expensive during this time as well, and even some popular train route are often booked up well in advance. Summer also has its pests, in this case, mosquitoes, which can have a field day on bare legs. For me personally, Italy is one of those landscapes that look stunning any time of the year. The visual difference between Venice in the Summer and Venice in the Winter is almost non-existent (they rarely get snow).

And if you’re lucky enough to see a snow-covered Italy what a unique and special moment that would be! What is the most different during those months outside of the summertime are the crowds and the costs. In both cases you’ll see a big reduction. The colours along the vineyards in the fall are spectacular, and the springtime blooms along the roadways make driving a joy. So if you can avoid it, skip the summer! If you can’t, just be sure to plan far in advance and make smart choices.

#10 Don’t take Heavy luggage

Italy is known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and old, historic residences. But what those two things have in common is that they were designed for a different time. A time when luggage was made for being carried in your hands, not huge suitcases being rolled down the street on wheels. Too many of us have a tendency to overpack. And you’re never all too aware of this fact until you’re facing a 20 minutes walk down an extremely bumpy road, followed by a six-storey walk up. With airlines charging more and more for checked luggage, this is your opportunity to save, and scale down all at once. I have a great post about how to pack for 2-weeks in a carry-on which will save you a ton of hassle, exhaustion, stress and, best of all, money!

#11 Don’t wait to Book Tickets to Popular Attractions

Even if you’re not travelling in the super-duper popular months, buying tickets online in advance to busy attractions is highly advisable. If there are a few items on your list which are unmissable, you don’t want to find yourself unable to get in because they’re sold out or the line is too long. Buying tickets in advance also means that that portion of the sightseeing costs is already paid for before you arrive in the city. For those on a tight budget, it means you might have a little bit more to spend once you’re there.

#12 Don’t ONLY Stay Inside the City Walls

So many people, when travelling to a new city, might want to stay right in the centre of town! And while this sounds good in practice, close to sights and all that, in reality it’s a bit more complicated. If you’re someone like me who enjoys a quiet evening, these hotels or apartments in the centre of busy cities are often pretty loud. Not only that, they are expensive! Since transport, even in smaller cities is so prevalent in Italy, it’s easy to stay either just on the outskirts of town or in a nearby village just a few minutes away. If you’re travelling by car, this also means you can park the car at one of these hotels easily and won’t need to worry about bringing it into town.

Look in Bnbs

Often hotels outside the city are a fraction of the cost of the ones in town and come with so much more character and charm. We stayed in plenty or airbnbs, farm stays or just tiny bed and breakfasts on the outskirts of town on our travels through Italy. Every single one was owned by the most interesting characters! Airbnb makes it easy to search for accommodations using their map function so you can find the town you want to visit and then zoom out slightly to explore the options just a few minutes outside the centre.

We even stayed in one place where the owner would drive us into the city in the morning and pick us up in the evening. Like a personal chauffeur or bus service! PLUS staying in these little towns also means you can visit their local restaurants which are often so excited to have visitors. They serve up some of the best authentic food at the lowest prices!

#13 Don’t Forget to Bring cash

Despite the rise of credit cards, tap and, apple pay, it seems like cash money has become something of an ephemeral thing. Even I rarely have cash on me at home, heck sometimes I don’t even walk around carrying my wallet. But especially when travelling I always make sure to bring cash with me. For anyone visiting a marketplace, flea market or even smaller restaurant, you’ll find cash is either the only accepted form of currency or at least the much more preferred option. Especially in small towns which might be a little bit more behind the times, cash is essential. And if you’re interested in doing any haggling at the antique market, you’ll need cash for sure!

#14 Don’t Skip pastries for breakfast

Breakfast in Italy is a sweet affair. If you come to Italy, don’t try to find a restaurant that does a full English or an omelette with hash browns. Along with the mandatory caffe (espresso), you need to pick up your favourite sweet pastry to enjoy alongside. There is the iconic biscotti, brioche or cannoli but my favourite is the cornetti (cornetto if singular). A cornetto is the Italian’s version of a french croissant. It is slightly sweeter (right up my alley!) and eaten dipped into your coffee as you indulge. Pastry shops often have a fantastic coffee counter as well so you can easily get your morning brew and meal all in one place.

Italy is honestly one of the most incredible places in the entire world, and although that’s not really the most original opinion, it’s cliche for a reason. Hopefully, these tips help you out on your next trip over to the city of astounding food, unbelievable architecture and extraordinary people. Let me know if the comment any others tips you might have for first-time travellers to help them out on their future ventures.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post 14 Travel Mistakes NOT to Make on Your First Trip to Italy first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Mistakes NOT to Make in Barcelona

1. #1 Don't Dine along La Rambla
2. #2 Don't Forget to make Bookings in Advance
3. #3 Don't Pay to See the Monument Zone inside Park Güell
4. #4 Don't Forget to Be Aware of Pickpockets
5. #5 Don't ONLY Drink Sangria
6. #6 Don't Visit Girona on a Bus Tour
7. #7 Don't Spend a Beach Day on La Barceloneta
8. #8 Don't take a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
9. #9 Don't Stick to Visiting only Gaudí Designs
10. #10 Don't Stop for the Street Artists along La Rambla

#1 Don’t Dine along La Rambla

La Rambla is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and is notorious for being full of tourist traps. Mainly regarding restaurants. So many establishments along this wealthy avenue charge insanely high prices. And you are getting less than mediocre food, most of which aren’t even cooked authentically. Their paellas are reheated and the “fresh” fish is often from frozen. Skip eating at any place with an English menu out front or even worse…a talking head inside a paella.

Instead, Head down to La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria Market is an excellent alternative to the restaurants on La Rambla. Wander the market and explore the different small kiosks. Pick and choose the perfect mixture of snacks and ingredients for a little picnic. Prices are reasonable, and the food is as fresh as can be! You can take your goodies over to the scenic Plaça Reial, just six minutes down the road. This gorgeous square is the best place to sit and enjoy your food with a view.

#2 Don’t Forget to make Bookings in Advance

Barcelona, especially during the busy season, is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. And for a good reason! There are so many amazing architectural buildings to visit, great food to eat and incredible culture to experience. But you’ll want to book the reservations in advance to see some of these places or eat at a famed restaurant. Places like the Sagrada Família have really long lineups. Sometimes, it takes over an hour to get inside. Other tours, like the Palau de Musica, sometimes get totally booked up. Without booking far in advance, you might miss your chance to see these places at all.

Instead, Plan Out your Must-Sees

I would advise booking your reservations as soon as you book your flights. But be sure not to overschedule your vacation. Secure those all-important must-see attractions, but leave the rest of your day open around that one booking. That way, you will see what you’ve dreamed of but can still come across new discoveries you didn’t plan on.

#3 Don’t Pay to See the Monument Zone inside Park Güell

Now, before you get up in arms, don’t worry! I’m not telling you to skip one of the most amazing parts of Barcelona! Park Güell was created by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. The park is one of the most imaginative and symbolic works of art of the Catalan’ modernism‘ movement. Tickets to enter the monument zone, which contains the most stunning pieces of Gaudi’s architecture, cost 10 euros. And while that’s not a lot, the lineup to get inside can be staggering long! Even with a timed ticket to enter, you’ll need to arrive much earlier to wait in line during busy times of the year. So, if you’re pressed for time and money, you can skip the paid entry to the monument zone.

Instead, Visit the Forested Area for FREE

Park Güell is divided into two zones; the Monumental Zone (paid entry) and the Forest Zone. The forest area is adjacent to the monumental zone and occupies 8 more hectares. This area actually accounts for 90% of the park’s woodland. Although you might not be able to see Gaudi’s ceramic creations, there are plenty of FREE opportunities to see Gaudi’s architecture around the city. 

Instead, spend the morning wandering around exploring the masterful landscaping, gorgeous walking trails and lush gardens. You’ll be able to find vibrant exotic flora, local fauna and some unimaginable views. If you get here as the sun rises, you’re in for a real treat! Since Park Guell is located high up and north of the city, youy get the most beautiful picturesque view across Barcelon from this vantage pointa.

#4 Don’t Forget to Be Aware of Pickpockets

Barcelona has a huge petty crime problem. Pickpocketing is very common. There are so many stories of people putting their bags down for a second, and when they look back, it’s gone. Since pickpocketing is usually “theft under a thousand,” often the criminals will only have to pay a small fine. And that’s if they even get caught at all. But this shouldn’t prevent you from having a great time in this city.

Instead, Keep your wits about you and keep everything Secure

Being aware is the key! If you prepare for it accordingly, you can go smoothly about your travels without worry. I had a tiny little lock on my knapsack I used to secure the closure. This way, I knew even when I didn’t pay too much attention to who was behind me, there was no way of slipping a hand inside. This meant I didn’t even worry about the subways or busy streets. Most pickpockets are just looking for a quick and easy theft. They don’t want to go to the trouble of tearing your bag off you. So, keeping things locked up is the best way to keep yourself safe. Knapsacks can also be worn in front to keep an eye on them.

Make sure your passports are locked up in your hotels. While I don’t love the look of a money belt, I do often use those money necklaces to keep small bills and loose change close at hand. But out of the public eye.

#5 Don’t ONLY Drink Sangria

While I would never say you should avoid Sangri altogether, there are way better things to drink here. Some Catalans might turn their nose up at the thought of drinking Sangria in Barcelona. This is because it’s not traditionally a Catalan beverage. But for those travellers who might not be visiting any other part of Spain, this might be their only chance to sample real Sangria. So drink it if you must. But know that it will usually be subpar wine and soda, and there are much better local drinks to try.

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Instead, Try out the Catalan specialty, Cava!

Cava is Catalonian sparkling wine. It’s sweet, tart and refreshing! There are so many different regions of the Catalonian cava to explore, each with its own distinct flavour profile. Ask your server for their recommendations I loved seeing the response this gets since locals are very passionate about their Cava and adore seeing tourists asking for something other than Sangria.

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#6 Don’t Visit Girona on a Bus Tour

Girona is one of the most magical historical towns to see and the best day trips from Barcelona. Girona is best known for its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter and the Roman fortress. Many people will visit Girona on a bus tour, which usually also stops at a few other places along the way. This means you’ll be rushed through the city and won’t have the time to explore at your own pace and focus on the things that matter to you.

Instead, Go by Public Transit

Many people don’t know just how easy it is to visit Girona by public transport. The AVE high-speed trains run from Barcelona to Girona in under 40 minutes and for less than 10 euros! Trains run multiple times throughout the day, making it easy for you to escape the city and head out into the medieval countryside in under an hour. This way, you can stop into shops, wander the alleys, explore the tiny yet sentimental museums, sit by the riverside and just relax.

#7 Don’t Spend a Beach Day on La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most famous sandy beach. And while its close proximity might make a beach day a tempting proposal for many travellers, the reality of this spot is less than appealing. La Barceloneta is full of tourists, teaming with pickpockets, tourist traps and overpriced food and beverage. Overall, it’s a waste of time to make your way down here and then have a stressful time while trying to relax.

Instead, Head to Costa Brava

Catalonia itself has some fantastic beaches just a few hours away from Barcelona. If you take the train to the beach village of Costa Brava, you’ll have the chance to visit this quaint seaside village but also dive into one of the most stunning beaches with beautiful vistas in all of Catalonia. There are some incredible small bays to explore and discover, and the crystal blue waters are some of the most impressive anywhere around the world. Costa Brava can be reached by train in under two and a half hours, or if you can have a car, you’re in for a fantastic journey on the road to the beach with so many different places on the way to stop and enjoy the scenery.

If you’re not looking to travel that far away, consider heading to the Playa de Bogatell. Playa de Bogatell, also known as Bogatell Beach, is one of Barcelona’s popular urban beaches, situated in the city’s Poblenou neighbourhood near the Port Olímpic area. The water is crystal clear, and the fact that it isn’t right in the center of the tourist quarter means you’ll find prices at the beach bars aren’t quite as high as in the Barceloneta.

#8 Don’t take a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus

Although a bus tour may be a good way to get an overview of the city, there is a lot you miss out on. Your guide is a pair of headphones that can’t answer questions or point out any of the good bars or restaurants you should visit. Nor can the bus take you through the back streets of the city, where you find Barcelona’s hidden gems and real history. On the bus, you see, rather than feel the city, you become acquainted with it, rather than friends.

Instead, Take A Buena Vista Bike Tour

On a Buena Vista Bike Tour, the guide is a local who knows the city backwards and can not only tell you all about Barcelona and its history but can answer all the oddball questions you may have, like what time people go to bed in Barcelona? It’s like having a friend show you around the city. The Buena Vista Tours are all made up of small groups, so it’s a friendly, laid-back experience where everybody gets to know each other – some tours even include a picnic on the beach. What’s more, this is pedal power – no emissions. Buena Vista also specializes in private tours, so if you are a small group or a family, they can customize a tour to suit you.

#9 Don’t Stick to Visiting only Gaudí Designs

While I will admit that Gaudí’s influence over the design and atmosphere of the city is undebatable, he was not the ONLY architect who helped shape the artistic and creative nature of Barcelona. In creating the ‘Modernisme,’ Gaudi, along with several other influential artists, worked together to create this unique cultural movement which makes Barcelona the artistic landmark city it is today.

Instead, Learn about other Modernisme Artists

Domènech I Montaner is another artist who really helped shape the direction of modernism, and his work best works to check out in Barcelona are the Hospital de Sant Pau and the Palau de la Música Catalana. Casa Amatller, located right beside Gaudi’s Casa Batllo, is often mistaken for being by Gaudi, but it was designed by Puig I Cadafalch, another influential architect. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Modernism’s art, design, and architecture, I can’t recommend the Museu del Modernisme Català more! Here, you can peruse some incredible pieces from the Modernisme era, and although it’s a smaller collection, it feels like it perfectly sums up what Modernism is all about, and you really get a great sense of what they were trying to achieve in Catalonia through this artistic endeavour.

#10 Don’t Stop for the Street Artists along La Rambla

Although La Rambla is one of the most famous streets in the world, and there are some gems to be found along the way, there is also a lot of cheesy, touristy tat that comes along with popularity. One of which is the street performers who cruise this strip. No matter the time of day, it seems as if this classical street is littered from end to end with Spidermen slinging fake webs for crowds or shoddily painted gold “mannequins” trying to attract attention.

Some tourists take a picture with them just for fun, and they are often forced quite aggressively into paying for the “privilege.” Most of the time, I think these are easily avoided by not engaging at all, but it’s frustrating to see them take up so much attention away from the beautiful architecture around them.

Instead, Go on a Street Art Tour

Instead of paying attention to these tacky “street artists,” pay attention to the street ART! Barcelona has always been a haven for creatives, which is still true today. The Bohemians have taken to the streets in Barcelona, and there is so much incredible art to be found on doorways and in alleys, hidden just steps away from huge tourist attractions.

One of the best ways to see these works of art and get the story behind them is on a guided tour from a company like Barcelona Street Style. It’s one of the most unique tour options in the city, and the people guiding the tour are so passionate about the art that it makes a difference in how you approach the designs.

Hopefully, with these tips, your travels around Barcelona will go off without a hitch!

Happy Travel Adventurer!

The post 10 Tourist Mistakes NOT To Make in Barcelona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

But over the years, I stopped trying to see all the “top attractions” and instead started to explore smaller areas of the city. I stayed in one spot and dug in deep there. I stopped paying attention to what bothered me and instead focused on the beauty of my surroundings. While I’m never a fan of avoiding certain touristy things just because they are “popular,” some things overhyped parts of town. I’ve learned from exploring New York many times what’s worth avoiding and worth your attention, time and money.

Table Of Contents

1. Skip the Empire State Building
2. Instead, check out the Roof Garden at the Met
3. Skip Times Square
4. Instead, visit Bryant Park
5. Skip ONLY visiting the big-name museums
6. Instead, visit The Morgan Library and Museum
7. Skip the Taxis
8. Instead, grab a metro card and Ride the Subway!
9. Skip the chain coffee shops
10. Instead, visit a cute independent coffee shop
11. Skip the Boat Cruises
12. Instead, head to Staten Island or to Brooklyn Heights
13. Skip Soho
14. Instead, head to the Lower East Side
15. Skip Central Park
16. Instead, visit something a little outside the city
17. Skip those Hostels
18. Instead, plan in advance and search for deals
19. Skip on eating the latest crazy food trend
20. Instead, head to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop
21. Skip shopping for knock-offs
22. Instead, head to the Williamsburg Artistisan Flea Market
23. Skip Little Italy
24. Instead, visit Koreatown
25. Skip only Seeing Manhattan
26. Instead, take a self-guided historical walking tour
27. Skip wearing yourself out trying to see it all!
28. Instead, spend a day in one particular neighbourhood

Skip the Empire State Building

The Empire State building is a touchstone of great American architecture and is the star of the iconic New York skyline. There are no if, and’s or but’s about that. But do you have to wait in line for hours and pay over $40 to ride up the elevator and view it from the inside? The short answer is no. While the view from the top is great, it is missing one thing. The Empire State Building. The lines are incredibly long, and there is so much more you can do with the time rather than line up for an elevator.

Instead, check out the Roof Garden at the Met

Rockefeller Tower used to be such a good alternative to the Empire State building, but after some recent renovations and its eventual popularity, the ticket prices are exactly the same price as the Empire State building. The queues might be shorter, and you DO get a view of the Empire State building from here, but it’s still not the cheaper and easiest option. I would recommend heading to the Roof Garden at the Met. From here, it feels like you’re floating above Manhattan on top of a tree-lined canopy. At night the sparkling lights of the city twinkle all around you. Access is free with your Museum entrance ticket, and if all you want to do is gawk at the views, it won’t cost you a cent!

Skip Times Square

Times Square is one of those places that, if you’ve seen it you still have a certain image in your mind of what it’s like. “It’s bright, it’s loud, it’s vibrant and fun!” While it is technically all of those things, there are so many other aspects of Times Square which aren’t part of your idealized version. Things like crowds so dense you can barely move, hustlers and street performers trying to pressure you into giving them money, and angry New Yorkers pushing you out of their way as they TRY and make their way to the subway station.

And worst of all, in my opinion, an entire lack of character. This place has been taken over by big brands and giant advertisements. Big-name stores that you can find in any mall across America are right here just a little bigger and a lot more crowded and messy. If you HAVE to see it just to say you did, hop out of the subway station, snap a pick and head right back down.

Instead, visit Bryant Park

If you’re looking for somewhere to gawk at the city’s lights, I suggest heading to Bryant Park. It might not be as flashy or commercial as Times Square, but that’s the point. But in a lot of ways, it is very similar. It is surrounded by bright lights and has incredible views of some of New York’s most iconic structures. The park is lit from above all night long, meaning crowds of people hang out here in the evening well past when it out otherwise be too dark to be in a public park. Some musicians always entertain the crowds and kids playing on the grass. People gather here, both locals and tourists, and there is a real sense of community here, which Time Square lacks.

Skip ONLY visiting the big-name museums

The MET, the MoMA, the Guggenheim and the American Museum of Natural History are some of NYC’s largest and most popular museums. On the weekends, the lines for these places can get very long. Although I LOVE these museums, I feel like tourists always flock to them without considering all the other smaller museums, which are sometimes much less busy and often easier to explore in one go. The MET is very overwhelming if you try to do it all in one day and sometimes the modest museums are more digestible and easier to spend only a few hours in if you’re visiting NYC for just a short haul.

Instead, visit The Morgan Library and Museum

The Morgan Library and Museum is one of the city’s most incredible hidden gems. Located at 225 Madison Avenue, it was founded to house the private library of J. P. Morgan in 1906. The interiors look like something out of the Italian Renaissance, with incredible ornate wallpaper, gilded shelves, opulent tapestries and a ceiling crowned with a stunning stained glass masterpiece. The murals throughout the library were inspired by Raphael. It truly is more than a library; it is an enormous work of art. You can view various books from his collections throughout the year, and there are always different book-related exhibitions in the smaller galleries, which are often extremely well-curated and always a lot of fun.

Skip the Taxis

Taxies and Ubers in other cities are sometimes HUGE time savers and low-cost options to get around big towns. But in New York neither of those things is true. Taxies are extremely costly, and the traffic jams in the city are neverending. You’ll end up sitting in one spot for so long that you’ll wonder if you’ve even moved. Don’t waste your time on these, and you’ll save time, stress and most of all – money!

Instead, grab a metro card and Ride the Subway!

The Metro in New York is not only incredibly large but also very convenient. The subway gets you everywhere you want to go in a jiffy, and the public buses are amazingly helpful in getting you to places where the subway doesn’t go. The MET Cloisters, for instance, is located far outside the city centre but on the subway and one quick bus, you’ll get there in less time than it takes to hail a cab (ok, not really, but it’s really quick).

I recommend grabbing a metro card which you can load up with as much or as little money as you want, and then all you need to do is swipe the card when entering the subway or bus, and your card will be automatically deducted, no need to calculate the cost of each ride. Super easy. If you run out of money there are machines all over the place where you can load more money onto your card. Moovit is a great app as it will help you find out which route to take and offers live interruption notices so you can plan accordingly.

Skip the chain coffee shops

No morning is complete for most of us without a cup of coffee Yes, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts are on every corner in NYC, but when visiting a city this dynamic and interesting, it’s a waste to drink the same ol’ coffee; you could get anywhere else. NYC has some of the best coffee shops in the world, and it would be remiss of you not to explore them!

Instead, visit a cute independent coffee shop

Cha Cha Matcha is one of the city’s most unusual and visually appealing places to get your caffeine on. While not technically a “coffee shop,” they serve up some of the most delicious macha beverages I’ve ever tried. Everyman Espresso serves up fair trade brews in a low-key setting for those not wanting to interact with the Instagramming crowds at Cha Cha Matcha. But don’t think that non-chain coffee shops mean you must spend a fortune. Diners are the bread and butter of NYC, and all of them serve amazing, simple cups of joe. While Joe Jr. Restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, this greasy spoon is known for its friendly service, awesome breakfast sandwiches and classic cups of coffee!

Skip the Boat Cruises

You’ll see people peddling $30-$60 sightseeing cruises all over the waterfront. These are overpriced, overcrowded and just plain unnecessary. The only real advantage of taking a sightseeing cruise is the interactive tour guide; most of these are merely recordings on a barely functioning headset.

Instead, head to Staten Island or to Brooklyn Heights

If you’re heading to Staten Island, the Ferry is free and offers amazing views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and the majestic Statue of Liberty. If you don’t want to head to Staten Island, I recommend heading over to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a gorgeous neighbourhood east of the city that offers incredible panoramic views of the New York skyline.

Skip Soho

Soho was the go-to shopping recommendation for everyone visiting NYC years ago. It was once the place for off-the-beaten-path restaurants and boutiques, but its popularity over the years has resulted in this place is as clogged as Time square. Chain retailers and huge brands have set up shop in once unassuming storefronts, and now it feels more like an open-air Mall of America than a bohemian district.

Instead, head to the Lower East Side

The lower east side features some of the city’s most exciting and innovative shops and vintage stores. It is still pretty unpretentious and inclusive to tourists and locals alike (unlike some areas of Brooklyn…) Tokyo Rebel is one of my favourite spots as it features many brands imported from Japan that highlight the Lolita, punk, and goth fashion, which is so popular over there. Even if it’s not your style this place is definitely worth poking your head inside. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop is THE place to go for something sweet and is especially good on a hot summer’s day.

Skip Central Park

Central Park is a beautiful place for sure. It over more than 29,000 acres of parkland and even has a zoo! And while more tourists who are visiting NYC for the first time will feel the need to at least see a portion of this famous park (understandable), there are plenty of other amazing options throughout the city where you can spend a lovely morning or afternoon which are even better than this place.

Instead, visit something a little outside the city

Fort Tryon Park, north of Manhattan, near the MET cloisters is my favourite park in the city. It has incredible views across the Hudson River and has even more beautiful landscaping than Central Park. I love seeing all the ivy growing up in the brick archways connecting the fort’s walls throughout the park. Brooklyn Bridge Park is another one that combines the urban landscape with vast expanses of greenery for cozy picnics under the sun. Plus, you have that iconic Brooklyn Bridge in front of you and that stunning Manhattan skyline.

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Skip those Hostels

I hear many people chattering whenever I’m booking a trip to NYC, talking about how expensive it must be. I suppose it does have a reputation, and as such a big city, the cost of hotels might be slightly more than elsewhere in the world, but after travelling to Nashville and seeing the cost of those hotels, NYC seems like a bargain. The truth is NYC has thousands of hotels, so the competition here is fierce, and the chance of finding a sweet deal during a reasonably popular time of the year is very good. You don’t need to immediately book yourself into a hostel with shared bathrooms, no walls, or, god forbid….a chance of bed bugs.

Instead, plan in advance and search for deals

If you are booking well enough in advance, you’ll have the chance to shop around. Expedia makes it easy to make reservations and cancel them without fees until the day you arrive. This means you can jump on a good deal when you find one but cancel it if something better comes along. Korea Town is my go-to area for hotel deals. There are beautiful hotels here without the overpriced frills of more modern areas like midtown or the upper east side. Korea town is steps from the Empire State Building, so you’ll always have a great view steps from your hotel.

Skip on eating the latest crazy food trend

New York seems to be a wash with “trendy foods” rainbow bagels, cronuts, tv famous cupcakes and even those 5,000-calorie milkshakes. While these foods might make for the best Instagram photo, the things you’ll sacrifice to get it might not be worth it. Locals have the time to kill waiting in line; you are a tourist and don’t have such luxuries. Time is precious and you don’t want to spend it waiting in lines.

Instead, head to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop

Van Leeuwen is one of the most delicious and dynamic ice cream chains in NYC, and the fact that it’s a chain means that its locations aren’t always packed to the gills. They serve up artisanal flavours on rotators throughout the year so there’s always some new to try. With flavours like Blackberry Danish, Candied Ginger and Cookie Swirl you’ll still have something incredible to post on your feed! They also serve up Vegan and Gluten-free flavours so there’s something for everyone.

Skip shopping for knock-offs

Canal Street has long been the site for hustlers selling knock-offs purses, bags and even jewellery. These “purses” often come as low a price as $20. And while most people who come here to shop know what they’re getting is fake, you’re still supporting an underground economy, and the effects of this kind of low-level crime are much higher than you might think. Plus, the bags never last as long as they should, even for the $20 price tag.

Instead, head to the Williamsburg Artistisan Flea Market

The Artists & Fleas Williamsburg is a fantastic place to support local creators and the art community in New York. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces made by people contributing to the city’s incredible artistic nature. There are many cute stalls, everything from jewellery to vintage clothes, art, soap, candles and more. There would be something at every price range, too, so if you all wanted to spend that $20, you could find something here for that price!

Skip Little Italy

While Little Italy is still a great neighbourhood to visit with delicious food and interesting shops, it’s unfortunately become somewhat of a tourist attraction recently. And lost a little bit of its authenticity. Plus, so many lesser-known neighbourhoods in the city are crying out for your attention.

Instead, visit Koreatown

It’s no secret that Koreatown is one of my favourite parts of the city. ‘K-Town’ as it is called by locals is located on West 32nd Street, between Broadway and 5th Avenue. Here you can have a blast from dawn till dusk. Start your morning at Grace Street with some Korean doughnuts and avocado-katsuobushi waffles. Pair it with a roasted oolong milk tea. Then head to the 24-hour spa, and grab lunch at one of the many Korean BBQ restaurants (the lunch bbq you can eat is much cheaper than dinner and just as delicious).

Check out Besfren Beauty to nab some Korean face masks to quench your thirsty skin. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head to Paris Baguette for a Parisian-Korean pastry fusion and bubble tea. For an elegant dinner, head to Hangawi for a vegetarian take on Korean cuisine. Finish the evening by singing your favourite tunes in one of the many karaoke clubs!

Skip only Seeing Manhattan

Manhattan is great, and there is SO MUCH TO DO, but don’t get caught up there and never leave. There are so many locations outside Manhattan which are fantastic and worth visiting. The lure of the big city is very strong, but escaping its clutches will usually result in fewer crowds and more local experiences.

Instead, take a self-guided historical walking tour

Brooklyn Heights is such a historical part of the city and so important to the development of New York as the superpower city it is today. You can visit some of the oldest houses in new york, the site of George Washington’s old residence and even study the names of all the different streets along the way. Each one is named after a different kind of tree which used to grow here. All in all, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, and there are a ton of incredible restaurants which lack a little of the upscale nature of the ones found inside Manhattan’s iron curtain.

Skip wearing yourself out trying to see it all!

New York is enormous. It is more vast and crowded than any other city in America, and seeing everything even in a week will result in feeling really burnt out by the end of your trip. And rushing from place to place also means you don’t have the chance to stop at places you find along the way. Some off-the-beaten-path discoveries are often the best part of the trip, so you don’t want to miss out on them!

Instead, spend a day in one particular neighbourhood

Instead of running from the east to the west and back again, over and over again. Try to group different places on your “to-see” list onto a google map and allocate different days to different neighbourhoods and districts. Even if the few items you have on the list won’t take up the entire day, don’t rush out of there. Take your time to explore the side street and get to know the lay of the land. It will be a richer and more rewarding adventure than trying to run all over the city trying to see every iconic site just to say you did.

What are your favourite things to do or explore in New York City? Let me know in the comments!

The post What You Should Skip Doing in New York City (and what to do instead) first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.